When I branched out from romance to mystery, I wasn't sure what would happen. Would I enjoy writing mysteries as much as bringing couples together for happily-ever-after?
The verdict is in--I love writing mysteries, putting a literary puzzle together, delving into a different type of research material in more depth, as well as adding a touch of romance. Of course, my sleuth will fall in love, find Mr. Right and have a bumpy time of doing it. I get the chance to delve into her history and relationships in a unique way in a series of mysteries, spreading her love story and conflicts throughout several books.
In my Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery Series, my sleuth Caprice not only solves murder mysteries, but she also takes in stray animals which is one of my passions. We have four rescued cats and feed a regular stray. In the past, my husband and I have cared for an injured cat with FIV and provided shelters to help stray and feral cats survive winters. Caprice is my alter ego.
In addition to staging homes to sell for high-end clients--she uses unique themes and fantastic open houses catered by her sister--Caprice loves vintage fashion and retro music. (After all, I watched The Beatles perform at Dodger Stadium when I was 16!)
My fourth mystery, DRAPE EXPECTATIONS, is released today! It doesn't seem quite possible. All about a Southern beauty, a Persian cat and an 80s rock star legend, in DRAPE EXPECTATIONS Caprice also follows her heart and chooses her Mr. Right. Will it be handsome Dr. Seth Randolph? Or her brother's law partner Grant Weatherford?
It was hard to keep the secret, but I did it. Now you can solve the murder mystery puzzle, be part of the De Luca's large family, cook along with Caprice and enjoy original recipes, and watch Caprice find the love of her life.
Here's a brief recap:
Caprice De Luca's former client and now friend Ace Richland--an 80's rock star--asks her for a favor. Can she quickly stage his girlfriend's house to sell? Widow Alanna Goodwin, a transplanted Southern beauty, will be moving in with him! Immediately Caprice realizes Alanna's southern charm can be turned on and off at will. Caprice agrees to stage Alanna's Kismet antebellum-styled mansion for Ace's sake. But she soon learns Alanna doesn't have a genuine love for her cat Mirabelle and also uncovers a plot her new client is hatching to sabotage Ace's comeback. However, before she can tell Ace, Alanna is murdered and Ace is the prime suspect.
As Caprice investigates, she learns Alanna had more secrets than pie safes. With her Cocker Spaniel Lady by her side, she tracks down clues and adopts Alanna's cat. In the midst of some of her own family upheaval--her uncle has moved in with her parents--she finds herself with a dilemma. Grant Weatherford, her brother's law partner, advises Ace and reveals more of his past to her. Seth Randolph, the doctor she dates, wants her to meet his family. She must choose between them.
Danger stalks Caprice. Will her refresher self-defense course save her life? Only if she keeps her wits about her and Lady by her side.
Books 1, 2, and 3 are ON SALE at special discount prices for a limited time!
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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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©2015 Karen Rose Smith
